The official newsletter of the Consulate General of Malaysia, Ho Chi Minh City

FOREWORD BY THE CONSUL GENERAL OF MALAYSIA,  #ASEAN 50 in Ho Chi HO CHI MINH CITY Minh City

 Budget 2018 August 2017 was an auspicious month. On 31st August, Malaysia celebrated 60th year of independence. Earlier, on 8th  Public transport in August, Malaysia joined ASEAN member states to commemorate Malaysia the 50th year of ASEAN’s establishment.

2017 is drawing to a close, but an exciting year awaits us. In  In numbers

2018, Malaysia and Vietnam will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. This will be another  Visit Pahang momentous event and a testimony of deep and strong relations

between our two countries. The Consulate General look forward  Beautiful Terengganu to celebrate this event with our friends and partners in Ho Chi Minh City.  Highlight of activities and events

- SOFIAN AKMAL ABD. KARIM Consul-General

2017 is a significant year for all citizens of ASEAN member states. 50 years ago – on 8th August 1967 – ASEAN was formed when five leaders – the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – signed a document which declared the creation of ASEAN. The last five decades have seen extraordinary progress for ASEAN, with the bloc growing stronger, developing in scale and working to foster regional and cooperation and to strengthen solidarity, mutual understanding and trust between member states. ASEAN is a key factor in promoting dialogue and collaboration for prosperity and security across the region and the globe by playing a central role at a number of regional forums like ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3 and the ASEAN Regional Forum. Today ASEAN has become a community representing the collective will of the Southeast Asian nations, which have strong attachments of friendship and cooperation through common endeavours and efforts to ensure that our people and future generations enjoy peace, freedom and prosperity. According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, a new milestone in ASEAN's development process is the setting up of the ASEAN Community on 31st December, 2015.

On 8th August 2017, Ho Chi Minh City hosted events to commemorate and celebrate ASEAN’s 50th anniversary, including a flag raising ceremony and the ASEAN Village – Ho Chi Minh City 2017.

Mr. Sofian Akmal Abd. Karim, Consul General of Malaysia (sixth from right) attended

the flag raising ceremony with HCM City Leaders and ASEAN Consuls General in HCM City

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From 21st to 24th September 2017, ASEAN Village was held in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time as an event to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN and 22 years since Vietnam’s accession to the bloc. The event, organized by Ho Chi Minh City in collaboration with all ASEAN Consulates General in Ho Chi Minh City, was held to strengthen ties among the 10 ASEAN member countries and promote cultural, trade and tourism exchanges.

Art performance at the opening ceremony The ASEAN Village comprised five areas, including a stage for art performances, cultural space for the ten ASEAN member nations, 126 booths showcasing trade and tourism products, 50 food stalls featuring Vietnamese and ASEAN traditional cuisine, and an area for traditional folk games.

Mr. Sofian Akmal Abd. Karim, Consul General of Malaysia (middle) and Dato’ Theng Bee Han, President of Malaysian Business Chamber (right) presented Malaysian handicraft as a souvenir to Mr. Le Thanh Liem, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee

Ho Chi Minh City Leaders and Heads of ASEAN Consulates General in a group photo at the ASEAN Village

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The Consulate General, MATRADE, Tourism Malaysia, Education Malaysia, Malaysian companies (Cogniplus Interior, Ve Vuong Food, UMW Equipment Systems, Public Bank, Hong Leong Bank, Hotel Equatorial, KPJ and Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council), Malaysian restaurants (Kampung Pandan and D’Nyonya) and traditional jewelry makers - Ms. Salini Binti Idris and Mr. Kok Chee Keong from “Paulini”, , Malaysia – participated in the ASEAN Village.

University students were excited to learn about Malaysia, its people and culture

A Vietnamese student tried jewelry making at “Malaysia House”

Mr. Abdul Hadi Bin Che Man, Consul (Tourism) was interviewed by students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities about Malaysian traditional costumes and culture

Malaysian companies and restaurants joined the event

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Malaysian Prime Minister and Finance Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak tabled the Budget 2018 in Parliament on 27 October 2017. The budget carries the theme “Prosper with inclusive economy, balancing duniawi (worldly) and ukhrawi (other-worldly) excellence to better the lives of the rakyat towards TN50 aspirations”. A total of RM 280.25 billion has been allocated for Budget 2018, an increase of RM 19.45 billion over the 2017 budget allocation of RM 260.8 billion. Of the total figure, RM 234.45bil is for administration, the remaining RM 46 billion is for development. Malaysia's income per capita is expected to rise to RM 42, 777 by 2018, median monthly income in the country has risen from RM4, 585 in 2014 to RM5,288 in 2016.

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The eight core thrusts for Budget 2018 are as follows:

To enhance investment, trade and industry Prioritising well-being of rakyat and income-making opportunities Towards achieving TN50 aspirations Preparing for the fourth Industrial Revolution and the Digital Economy Excellence in Education Development, Training, Skills and Talent Enhancing efficiency and delivery of government-linked companies (GLC) and public service Driving inclusive development Balancing between the par excellence of the worldly and the hereafter

Among the highlights of 2018 budget are on investment incentives and income tax cuts. The minimum level of venture capital investment in a start-up business is to be cut from 70% to 50% for the period 2018-2022. Among the other proposals are moves to guarantee equivalent income tax deductions in all instances of start-up investment (up to an annual maximum of RM 20 million (US$4.7 million)). A number of existing income tax exemption entitlements, also relating to start-up investments, are also to be extended until 31 December 2020. The budget also saw personal income tax rates cut by 2% for those earning between RM 20,000 and RM 70,000 per annum.

*** For full speech by YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia and the 2018 Budget Touch Points you may read through online at: https://www.pmo.gov.my/bajet2018/Budget2018.pdf, and https://www.pmo.gov.my/bajet2018/TouchpointsBudget2018.pdf

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Malaysia, in particular, has been showing positive progress towards encouraging its citizens in using the public transportations. The Malaysian government has the newly launched Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and the integrated transportation hub of Terminal Bersepadu Selatan alongside other well-known and more ‘international’ transportation hubs such as the KLIA2. Highways, on the other hand, are public roads built to cater the needs of the public and shorten the distance or to provide a link between two destinations.

For now, basically, there are three new major expressways or highways in Malaysia and they are or Lebuhraya Pantai Timur (LPT), Kajang- Highway or LEKAS and the Pan Borneo Highway. The LPT started operating on 1 August 2004 connecting the West Coast and the East Coast of the Peninsular of Malaysia. LEKAS was launched on 22 August 2008, connecting Kajang and Seremban. Lastly, the Pan Borneo Highway which was completed way back in 1997 and made it possible to travel between Kuching and Kota Kinabalu by car or bus. Currently, the government is building newer sections of the highway to connect more rural areas in Sarawak.

The Valley MASS Rapid Transit (MRT) project which will be linked with Automatic Train Operation (ATO) consists of 3 lines. The MRT Line 1 for Sungai Buloh-Kajang has been fully operationalised on 17 July 2017. The MRT Line 2 for the Sungai Buloh-Serdang- link is scheduled to be completed by 2022. Whereas, the final line of MRT Line 3 is still at its planning and development stage.

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Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) is located at . TBS is effectively accessible through the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) and Expressway, and it provides three major rail lines such as Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM), Express Rail Link (ERL) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains. It is a 24-hour incorporated transportation center point for travellers heading out to more than 150 destinations of north, south, and eastern Malaysia. There are plenty of stores located within the terminal so that people could do some shopping while waiting for the bus.

The new Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) was launched on 2 May 2014. It was built to allow continuous connectivity for local and international low-cost plus to avoid crowds at KLIA. The KLIA2 is designed with greater limit to cater up to 45 million passengers per year, and supplanting the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). The KLIA Express provide fast train service (non- stop) which could take you from KL Sentral to KLIA in only 28 minutes, and 33 minutes from KL Sentral to KLIA2.

In nutshell, Malaysia’s public transportation is growing rapidly and tremendously like mushrooms after a heavy rain. This, in return, will benefit the citizens of Malaysia economically and socially. Public transportation is the next best thing when you don’t want to worry about where to park your car or getting stuck in the jam. Not only it is cheap, but it is also hassle - free and very convenient to get around in the hustle and bustle of the big city.

*** Further information could be found at https://www.spad.gov.my; http://www.mymrt.com.my; and http://www.llm.gov.my/awam/highway.

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USD 7.35 29

billion

Engagements, outreach Malaysia - Vietnam bilateral trade

programs, and meetings in January – October 2017 organized by or involving the

Consulate with various Vietnam is Malaysia’s groups including local authorities, Malaysian s in Ho  12th largest global trading partner; Chi Minh City, businesses,  10th largest exports destination; 21 students and youth  10th largest source of imports.

organizations in July - Trade fairs, trade missions, joint December 2017 promotion programs, business to business meetings, networking events and other activities involving the

Consulate and MATRADE office in July

- December 2017

Vietnamese tourists visited Malaysia

in January – September 2017

Top five favourite destinations are: • Kuala Lumpur/ / Visa applications processed by the Consulate General Putrajaya in January – December 2017 • Melaka 1.74 0.17  Type of • Pahang (Genting Highland, 7.66 Visa Application Cameron Highland) 7.55 • Penang Working • Johor (LEGOLAND) Social Student

Professional visit 25.32 57.54 Dependant

Transit

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This year the Pahang state government has launched Visit Pahang Year 2017 and has lined up events and festivals galore. As the largest state in the Peninsular of Malaysia with a whopping 36, 137 km2 of total area, the state offers some of the more ‘touristy’ spots in Malaysia. Some of Malaysia’s famous highlands, recreational places, beaches and islands are located in Pahang. The Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Bukit Tinggi and Fraser’s Hill for people who just love to be one with nature; Gunung Tahan which rises 2, 187 meters above sea level; Taman Negara with activities such as rapid shooting, canopy walk and cave exploration; Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary where you can interact with elephants; as well as Cherating and Teluk Cempedak are among the popular beach resort area; while Tioman island, dubbed as ‘one of the 10 most famous islands in the world’.

Pahang’s uniquely eclectic mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous Peoples makes it an even bigger draw for foreign tourists. Domestic and foreign tourists are welcomed to visit Pahang

*** For more information regarding travel info, destination, things to do and calendar of events, go to www.visitpahang.com or www.pahangtourism.org.my.

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Terengganu obtained its name from the word “terang ganu” meaning bright rainbow. Terengganu is one of the beautiful states located in Peninsula Malaysia,rich in culture, arts and heritage. There are many interesting places to be visited in Terengganu such as Kapas In conjunction with “Visit Island, Redang Island and Perhentian Beautiful Terengganu 2017”, Island. These three islands are rich in Air Asia has introduced the mature coral gardens and popular for Fly-Thru product where Air diving, snorkelling, beach activities and Asia will provide low fares jungle trekking. Like most Malaysian and free seats for flights to states, Terengganu too has a wide variety Terengganu. In addition, Air of its own particular cuisine and activities. Asia has also increased the Some of the festivals that will be hosted by number of trips from Johor Terengganu in 2017 include the Bahru and Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu Peranakan Festival from 25 - Terengganu. There is a 30 August, portraying the lifestyle of the Terengganu specific app Peranakan community; Krobek Festival worth checking out: Tourism from 25 - 27 August, showcasing Malaysia E-Brochure App, Terengganu arts and handicraft; and the making it easier for the tourist International Gamelan Festival from 25 - to find interesting places to 27 August. visit and plan their vacation. Terengganu has also introduced a “Pakej Pelancongan Beautiful Terengganu Dekat Je Holiday Packages 2017”, designed to attract tourists.

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HIGHLIGHT OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS ( JULY - DECEMBER 2017)

1. “HEALTH AWARENESS DAY”, COLLABORATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE TRAVEL COUNCIL (MHTC) AND HONG LEONG BANK VIETNAM (HLBVN), 19 AUGUST 2017

The Ambassador and the Consul General officiated the Health Awareness Day organised by Hong Leong Bank Vietnam (HLBVN) and Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) on 19 August 2017 in Ho Chi Minh City. More than 100 people attended the event. Programme included talks on cardiovascular and colon diseases. More and more Vietnamese undergoing treatments and health tourism in Malaysia for 2016. This event also marked the launch of a special programme by HLBVN and MHTC for Vietnamese to seek healthcare in Malaysia at attractive rates. Free medical check-up, lunch and raffles were offered after the event.

2. MALAYSIA'S NATIONAL DAY CELEBRATION, 6 SEPTEMBER 2017

HCMC Union of Friendship Organization & Vietnam - Malaysia Friendship Organization hosted an event to celebrate Malaysia's National Day. Malaysians in HCMC attended and celebrated with their Vietnamese friends. In his remarks, the Consul General spoke about the excellent state of Malaysia-Vietnam relations. The two countries will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations in 2018.

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HIGHLIGHT OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS ( JULY - DECEMBER 2017)

3. MEETING WITH PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE OF TIEN GIANG PROVINCE, 26 SEPTEMBER 2017

The Consul General met with Mr. Trần Thanh Đức, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee, Tien Giang Province. Also present was Consul (Trade) & Consul (Tourism) from the Consulate, and heads of Tien Giang’s Departments of External Relations, Planning & Investment, Trade & Industry, Tourism, Labour. Both sides exchanged views on bilateral trade and investment as well as cooperation in tourism and education.

4. HARI SUKAN NEGARA 2017 – MALAYSIAN SPORT DAY IN HO CHI MINH CITY, 14 OCTOBER 2017

Malaysians in Ho Chi Minh City got together for a workout in Phu My Hung, District 7 and be part of Hari Sukan Negara on 14th October.

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HIGHLIGHT OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS ( JULY - DECEMBER 2017)

5. ENGAGEMENT WITH MALAYSIAN BUSINESSES AND EXPORTERS, 21st NOVEMBER 2017, 21 NOVEMBER 2017

The Consulate General, MATRADE & Malaysia Business Chamber Vietnam (MBC) engaged with Malaysian exporters at a seminar on fast moving consumer products. The event is part of ‘Go Export’ - a programme to assist Malaysian businesses to explore overseas market and find local partners. Trade is an important pillar of Malaysia - Vietnam relations.

6. OFFICIAL OPERATIONAL VISIT BY ROYAL MALAYSIAN NAVY VESSELS, 25 - 28 NOVEMBER 2017

Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) vessels KD Lekiu and KL Gagah Samudera were in Ho Chi Minh City for official operational visit on 25th - 28th November 2017. RMN hosted a reception on 27th November attended by the Ambassador of Malaysia, Consul- General, Consulate officials, Vietnamese defence officials and Defence Advisors. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the defence forces of Malaysia and Vietnam, towards building a peaceful, prosperous and strong ASEAN.

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Address 2102-2104, Me Linh Point Tower, No. 2 Ngo Duc Ke Str., Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Tel. (+84) 28-38299023, (+84) 28-38293132

Fax. (+84) 28-38299027

E-mail [email protected]

Web Site http://www.kln.gov.my/web/vnm_ho-chi-minh-city

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cgmsiahcmc/

Twitter @MYCGHCMC

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